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April 12, 2000
Having a baby is an adjustment for any family.
But sometimes, it's the older children who don't know what to expect when they get their new brother or sister.
In today's Family Now report, News Specialist Ruth Todd explains what parents can do to make it easier.
When parents get caught up in the excitement of having a new baby, they may forget that it might be difficult for the older child to go from being the center of your attention to taking a back seat.
But there are a few things you can do to ease the adjustment.
These kids are just a few weeks away from being the oldest child, instead of the only child.
They are on a tour of the University of Utah Hospital to see where their mom will be when the new little one arrives.
"THAT HAS A NURSE'S FACE ON IT, SO WHAT DO THINK HAPPENS IF YOU PUSH THAT BUTTON. I DON'T KNOW."
And their parents are here to learn how to make it easier for the first child to accept the second.
Shannon Wolz/Salt Lake City: "JUST TO EASE HIS TRANSITION FROM HAVING A NEW BABY, AND I'VE HEARD IT'S REALLY HARD ON THE KIDDOES, SO I WANTED TO DO WHAT I COULD TO HELP HIM."
In this sibling preparation class, parents learn that they should talk to their kids about what will happen at the hospital.
Janette Lewis/Sibling Preparation teacher: "MOST CHILDREN WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT IT VERY FACTUALLY THEY HANDLE IT VERY WELL, AND TO HAVE THAT INFORMATION IS NOT FRIGHTENING. AS LONG AS THEY UNDERSTAND, IF WE'RE NOT FRIGHTENED BY IT, THEY'RE NOT FRIGHTENED BY IT."
But the real challenge comes when the new, expanded family arrives home.
The older child may not know how to handle the baby, and sometimes, even be jealous.
Shannon Clark/Salt Lake City: "TEACH HIM HOW TO HOLD THE BABY, HOW TO WRAP THE BABY UP, JUST SIMPLE THINGS LIKE THAT. AND MORE TALK ABOUT WHAT HE CAN DO WHILE MOM IS BUSY WITH THE BABY."
Here are some other suggestions:
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Try not to make a big fuss over the baby in front of the older child.
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Help the older child develop interests outside the home.
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Provide private time with one parent every day
